Auditorium Theatre 2018-19 Issue 1 Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO | NOVEMBER 10-11, 2018 | 5 PROGRAM PROGRAM I. OVERTURE II. THE GREAT TENOCHTITLÁN This dance takes its inspiration from the great city of Tenochtitlán, founded by the Aztecs during their northern exodus. According to folklore, the Aztecs sought a sign from the gods to indicate where they should establish their home, and this sign was received in the form of an eagle devouring a serpent. The city was built on an island in the valley where Mexico City stands today. It would become known as the Great Tenochtitlán, capital of the expanding Aztec Empire, founded in accordance to the orders of the gods. The ceremonies and rituals developed there are presented in music and dances shrouded in feathered splendor, rising to the sky in a mystical expression. III. PLATFORM DANCES OF TIXTLA El Toro El Arrancazacate La Iguana IV. REVOLUTION Modern Mexico began with the Revolution of 1910. For the first time in the country’s history, Mexican women joined men in their political struggle. This ballet is dedicated to the soldaderas , the women who supported their men and even bore arms with them in Mexico’s fight for liberty. Contrasted with these men and women is a group of young aristocrats dancing European polkas, flirting and unconcerned with the people’s fight for freedom. A group of revolutionaries breaks up this party, brandishing their weapons. Now it is the peasants who dance popular dances in the aristocratic drawing room, with their compatriot Juana Gallo, the famous capitana (captain). At the end of this movement, the revolutionaries march towards their new destiny. V. CHARREADA One of Mexico’s deepest traditions is charreada , where men and women demonstrate their bravery in sports competitions. During a celebration full of color and fun, the charro (horseman) shows off his abilities with the rope to the rhythm of a jarabe (a traditional mariachi song). The Rope Dance Country Love Dance COURTESY OF BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DE MÉXICO Juana Gallo